"Mr. Lu truly cuts an impressive figure. Your taste in clothing is exquisite as well. This formal attire—fine materials, refined craftsmanship—it must be a premium piece from the Feiyun Commerce Guild?"
Lu Lin's outfit indeed made him look distinguished and elegant. Even Ningguang, accustomed to high society elites, couldn't help but feel impressed.
"Ganyu picked it for me. It fits quite well," Lu Lin replied with a hint of pride.
"Oh? Miss Ganyu is usually immersed in work and rarely interacts with strangers, much less chooses clothes for someone. It seems your relationship with her is… unusual?"
"We're fairly close."
"I have never heard your name before. A talent such as yourself should not be unknown."
"I only recently arrived in Liyue. It's normal that you haven't heard of me."
Just arrived in Liyue and already close with Ganyu?
Ningguang raised an eyebrow, her interest deepening.
Ganyu might seem gentle and somewhat absent-minded, but she had managed Yuehai Pavilion for three thousand years without error. She was no simple person.
For someone to gain her trust so quickly—and possibly something more—was noteworthy.
An unknown individual appears in Liyue, participates in the Guili Plains incident, grows close to Ganyu…
Too many mysteries.
And unraveling mysteries was one of Ningguang's favorite pursuits.
"Ganyu likely showed you the report regarding Guili Plains. She wishes you to receive your reward, yet the details are vague. I suspect there are reasons she prefers not to make public.
But since she allowed you to meet me, I assume you are willing to explain verbally?"
"You are truly perceptive, Lady Ningguang."
"The source of the incident was black mist formed from abyssal power and remnants of a fallen god. The mist eroded Ganyu and the others' strength.
I am… not from this world. My constitution is special. I am immune to the mist—and can dispel it from others.
The method, however, is difficult to put into writing."
"What method?"
"Kissing."
Ningguang frowned.
The answer was so outrageous she almost believed he was teasing her.
"You expect me to believe that?"
"I have no reason to fabricate something so easily verified."
So he really did kiss Ganyu?
As unbelievable as it sounded, it explained why the report avoided specifics.
Such matters would certainly not appear in official documentation.
Wait.
The report stated he had initially acted alongside Hu Tao before encountering Ganyu.
Hu Tao had also played a major role.
Did that mean—
He had done the same with her?!
This man had entangled himself with two women of immense importance to Liyue?
Ningguang had seen many so-called elites with questionable private lives.
She despised such men.
Especially when the women involved were Ganyu and Hu Tao—pillars of Liyue in their own ways.
A scoundrel.
"I understand. The necessary approval process will proceed, and your reward will be issued.
Thank you for your contribution to Liyue. I have work to attend to."
Her tone remained polite.
But her expression had grown cold.
The shift was unmistakable.
Lu Lin felt the disdain clearly.
What just happened? Why such a reaction?
He had barely been offered tea before being dismissed.
At that moment—
A system notification sounded.
[Ding! Random Mission Triggered: Conquer Ningguang]
Mission: Ningguang currently has an extremely poor impression of you. Completely win over her heart and mind. Affinity reaching 100% counts as completion.
Reward: 1,000,000 Mora, 500 Points, 100 EXP, Random Residency Trait]
Wow.
She must really dislike him.
Lu Lin clicked his tongue inwardly.
If you dislike me that much… collecting a little "interest" first shouldn't be too much, right?
His mentality had changed significantly since mastering his system and pushing Ganyu's affinity to 100%.
An idea formed.
Snap.
He coolly snapped his fingers.
[Critical Moment] activated.
Time froze.
Lu Lin walked over to Ningguang.
Even with annoyance lingering on her face, she was breathtakingly beautiful.
"Even your irritated expression is stunning."
He traced a finger lightly down from her cheek to her collar.
Buttons came undone one by one.
The scenery revealed was… impressive.
Truly fitting of Liyue's Tianquan.
Snow-white elegance contrasted against the faint bloom of red.
He retrieved a Kamera from his Serenitea Pot—something he had purchased out of curiosity.
It proved useful now.
The composition was flawless.
After a brief indulgent admiration—
He restored everything carefully, leaving only the final button slightly undone.
He returned to his original position.
Time resumed.
Ningguang saw Lu Lin finishing a playful snap of his fingers, that irritating smile still on his face.
"Thank you, Lady Ningguang. I won't disturb you further."
"Good day."
"Not seeing you out."
He left.